Railway supply industry news round-up

Alstom has signed a four-year agreement with Polish infrastructure manager PKP PLK covering the periodic inspection and overhaul of Onvia Switch electric point machines used across the network. This covers nearly 3 500 inspections and overhauls, with an option for 800 more inspections if needed. ‘For the first time, we can plan and carry out work on a nationwide scale, ensuring consistency and continuity of services for many years ahead’, said Adam Juretko, Director of Alstom Polska. ‘This is the result of our partner’s mature approach to infrastructure management, which allows us to operate in a planned, cost-effective manner and in line with the highest standards.’

Tatravagonka Poprad Group company TŽV Gredelj has announced that production will cease after June 2026. Announcing the decision on January 21, Zagreb-based TŽV Gredelj said ‘the reason for shutting down production is a decline in market demand and the owner’s strategic decision’. Tatravagonka acquired TŽV Gredelj in 2021, bringing to an end bankruptcy proceedings that the company had been under since 2012. Although Gredelj’s main activity had traditionally been the maintenance of HŽ rolling stock, Tatravagonka changed the company’s focus almost exclusively to the production of freight wagons.

Christoph Franz and Wojciech Kostrzewa are to step down from the Stadler board at the AGM on May 5. Standing for election to the board are Sabrina Soussan, who was co-CEO of Siemens Mobility in 2017-20, and Michael Schöllhornt, who has been CEO of Airbus Defence & Space since 2021. Stadler Chairman Peter Spuhler said ‘we have found two outstanding candidates for the board of directors. They will continue the generational change that began two years ago. I am convinced that both of them will contribute to Stadler’s long-term innovation and competitiveness worldwide thanks to their international experience.’

Swedish rolling stock owing body AB Transitio has awarded Finland’s VR FleetCare a contract for the heavy maintenance of the bogies from 60 Stadler ER1 electric multiple-units in Pieksämäki and the main power switches in Helsinki during 2026-30. ‘It is a significant step on our growth path and strengthens our position in the European market as a rolling stock maintenance expert’, said Peter Guldbrand, Head of Sales and project management at VR FleetCare. 

Alstom has opened an office in Napoli as a centre for ongoing regional projects, including ERTMS and electrical, telecoms and civil infrastructure upgrades. It is to strengthen local expertise by recruiting for roles such as Electrical, Electronics, Telecommunications, Cybersecurity, and Systems Engineers, as well as Maintenance Technicians and Troubleshooters, and continuing training programmes and partnerships with local universities. 

Chelyabinsk Metallurgical Plant has begun production of 100 m rails designed for high speed lines with operating speeds of up to 400 km/h, as well as rails for heavy haul freight lines. Certificates for both rail types have been obtained to confirm compliance with GOST R requirements and the technical regulations of the Eurasian Customs Union. 

Unipart has launched an online store designed to streamline procurement and accelerate project delivery for the global rail industry. ‘A fundamental shift in global rail procurement, due to digital transformation and the growth in global e-commerce freight, has seen rail operators increasingly move away from manual procurement toward streamlined e-procurement systems and digital marketplaces’, said Dr David McGorman, Unipart’s Managing Director for Rail & Technology. ‘This is our solution for the significant pressure the rail industry operates under, allowing customers to quickly and easily access and order thousands of rail products, cutting lead times and eliminating procurement bottlenecks.’

Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking has launched its Call for Proposals 2026-31, with a total EU contribution of €6·1m for the development of lightweight and cost-efficient rolling stock and automated multimodal mobility systems, or the development of hyperloop technology through support on safety and certification guidelines, including the functional validation of safety components. The deadline for submissions is May 7 2026. 

The Greenbrier Companies’ indirect wholly-owned special purpose subsidiary GBX Leasing 2022-1 has completed an offering of wagon asset-backed securities securing $300m in long-term financing. ‘The strong demand from investors for this ABS issuance reflects continued market confidence in the performance of Greenbrier’s railcar portfolios, supported by stable utilisation and predictable cash flows. This transaction’s favourable terms indicate the durability of our manufacturing platform and support for our disciplined long‑term strategy’, said Greenbrier CEO & President Lorie Tekorius.

The TransiT digital twinning research hub jointly led by Heriot-Watt and the University of Glasgow is developing a tool to help organisations and their human resources teams get ready for the wider use of digital twinning technologies. ‘Because digital twins change how decisions are made, adopting them is not just a technical challenge. It also demands new skills, mindsets and ways of working across organisations’, said Dr Muhammad Shujaat Mubarik of Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh Business School. ‘Our Human Capital Readiness Index will help us understand what specific human resources are needed in an organisation for digital twinning and what kinds of behavioural capabilities are required.’

Railtrac Technologies’ wagon management and consulting subsidiary AllTranstek has completed the acquisition of the assets of RAS Data Services, and assumed responsibility for supporting former RAS clients. AllTranstek currently manages more than 500 000 wagons across North America and provides comprehensive technical and operational support to the rail equipment supply chain. ‘Our priority is a smooth, professional transition with minimal disruptions to our customers’ operations’, said AllTranstek President Jeff Wilson on February 4. ‘We are uniquely positioned to not only stabilise but enhance RAS operations while preserving the experienced personnel and service continuity on which our customers rely.’